Multimedia journalist, Waikato Herald
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
Sore, sunburnt but stoked: Taupō emergency services return from charity walk
The Waikato Herald shared their story last month. Now, they've completed the challenge.
Local cadets to stand guard on Armistice Day for first time in over 10 years
The Army cadet unit was on the brink of closure.
Waikato motorbike racer hangs up his leathers - for real this time
He vowed to retire from racing a few times. A recent crash made it real.
Pounamu gallery with star clientele to open in Hamilton
Sands Carving Studio has Jason Momoa and Jack Black on its client list.
New Zealand ranks in global travel trends for 2025 - thanks to Waikato
The Unpack report, an annual outlook on global travel trends, never featured NZ before.
Walk of life: Emergency services tackle lake for youth mental health charity
A team of 14 first responders join forces for special fundraiser for I am Hope.
Kindergarten on the way for a little town that's growing up fast
What used to be a quiet holiday and retirement spot is growing into a big town.
NZ's biggest fenced wildlife sanctuary cuts staff to make ends meet
The Waikato eco-sanctuary still needs much-needed financial support.
Funding cuts force Waikato Tourism to pull the pin on international marketing
Hamilton and Waikato Tourism won't promote the region overseas anymore.
Tourism spots out in the cold after two councils split with regional tourism organisation
'Waitomo and Ōtorohanga won’t be recommended anymore,' says RTO chief.
Keeping up with the kākāpō: In the bushes with a New Zealand taonga
Since the kākāpō returned to the Waikato last year, they have been keeping rangers busy.
Tīrau Starbucks, Burger King proposal gains nationwide attention
Even South Island residents made submissions on the proposal.
Hamilton City Council scraps two hours free parking in CBD
Visitors can now park in the CBD for free for one hour.
Waikato food producers the focus of five-course degustation dinner
The Taste of Waikato will be held in October.
Critically endangered kākāpō population hit by three deaths this month
One of the birds that died was the 'treasured' poster boy for his former sanctuary.
'Machine that constantly tunes itself': Waikato tourism operators stand out
Three local operators are in line for a Tourism Industry Award.
Hamilton Gardens turn over a new leaf as entry fee comes into effect
The visitor attraction also celebrated the opening of its Gallagher Visitor Centre.
Popular Hamilton food spot celebrates milestone
In the past 15 years it has enjoyed a growing popularity - not only from locals.
Waste-to-energy plant application called in by Environment Minister
The plant is proposed to be built in Te Awamutu.
Waikato's best pies found in Hamilton, Tīrau, Tuakau, Taupō
The recent Bakels NZ Pie Awards featured creations from six local bakeries.
Shepherd turned event whiz in line for award
The NZ Event Awards 2024 finalists feature six nominees from Waikato.
Roll up your leaves: Waikato trees to be vaccinated
The fatal Dutch elm disease was discovered in the region in February.
Taupō foodie releases cookbook with Kiwi classic inspired dishes
At 21, Olivia Moore has released her first recipe book.
Taupō tourism agency tightens its belt as budget cuts bite
Tourism is worth hundreds of millions of dollars to the Taupō economy.
Addio Alberico: South Waikato mourns death of 'Tokoroa icon'
Alberico D'Andrea, of Alberico's Italian Restaurant, died on July 22.
'We just need our confidence back': Hamilton's high street not what it used to be
However, it's not all doom and gloom, local business leaders say.
Waikato council plans ranked for user-friendliness
OPINION: The wording and structure of plans can hinder making local democracy accessible.
Waikato councils' Long-Term Plans come at a cost
Most councils have now adopted their 2024-34 LTPs.
Main street meltdown: How NZ’s high streets are changing
We take a walk down some of New Zealand's high streets.
Quirky town split over need for Burger King and Starbucks
Some see opportunity while other people in Tīrau like it just the way it is.
Swallowed by the sea: Warning as cliffs under popular beach carpark collapse
Several metres of coastline and carpark has been lost to erosion this week.
Experiment reveals kākāpō escape strategies
The escapes from a fenced Waikato sanctuary regularly made headlines.
Residents annoyed after council ignores advice to lower speed limits at trouble spots
A group of residents has raised significant concerns about the safety of a local road.
From the regional to the world stage: Waikato building projects in for global honours
The nomination comes after their success at the Waikato Bay of Plenty Architecture Awards.
Biggest kiwi translocation in NZ 'great news' for species recovery
Save the Kiwi is hoping for a kiwi corridor in the Waikato in the next few years.
Person and pet budgie rescued from Hamilton motel fire
Fire and Emergency crews were alerted to the fire at 7.52am.
Sanctuary Mountain closure a 'travesty' for biodiversity
It's home to 2500 kiwi birds but the sanctuary's financial troubles could see it close.
Waikato visitor destination among world's most magical places
The local tourism hotspot features highly in a new international ranking.
Hamilton's tallest buiilding being converted into 191-room hotel
'It’s well needed and brings such a positive feel to the CBD.'
Waikato tourism organisation to make changes due to council funding
Several councils have made funding cuts to the organisation in their LTPs.
Fieldays organisers cautiously optimistic as attendees split on event success
Fieldays has wrapped up for 2024 and visitor numbers showed a minimal upwards trend.
Balloons over Waikato festival to be run by Wellington-based agency
In February, Classic Events announced they would hand over the reins to somebody else.
Fieldays 2024 kicks off with special recognition
Fieldays 2024 is off to a good start, NZ National Fieldays Society CEO Peter Nation said.
'Instagram-worthy vistas': Tongariro Crossing one of world’s busiest hikes
A new ranking shows the popular walk is up with the world's big guns.
Tractor pull, fencing and excavator comp: What's on at Fieldays?
It's less than a week to go until Fieldays kicks off for the 56th time.
French flair is in the air: Film festival back in Waikato
The French Film Festival takes place in Hamilton and Whitianga.
Waikato councils speak out against Māori Ward polls
"It reflects poorly on central government’s .. respect for the role of local government."
Kākāpō escapees continue to be trailblazers
The former Waikato residents have been relocated to Coal Island in Fiordland.
New Zealand’s smallest economic development agency closes
Te Waka would cease operations on June 30.
Electric motorcycle brand revs up for new chapter in Waikato
FTN Motion co-founder talks about secret projects and doing business in Hamilton.
Secrets within Te Kūiti shearer statue to be revealed
The first of three mystery packages is due to be removed.
Hobbit holes a winner in Waikato BOP Architecture Awards
Three Hobbit Hole facades were excavated and transformed into authentic homes.
Person in serious condition after pedestrian and vehicle collide
Emergency services were notified of the incident in rural South Waikato after 1pm.
'Golden Oldies' club works hard to preserve Speedway history
The Waikato Golden Oldies will hold a showcase in Hamilton this weekend.
Hauraki, Coromandel councils keep tourism funding rolling
No changes to funding are proposed for Destination Hauraki-Coromandel.
Environmental Protection Authority comments on Waikato incinerator proposal
The waste-to-energy plant was first put on the cards for Te Awamutu in 2021.
'90 is the new 70': Waikato breast surgeon hails screening-age extension
The Government is working to offer free breast cancer screening for those aged 70-74.
'As good as Bathurst': Fans celebrate start of ITM Taupō Super400
The Track to Town event was a big success as Supercars start practice today.
What are Waikato councils proposing in their LTPs?
Councils across New Zealand started their Long Term Plan discussions.
Emergency services respond to stabbing near Morrinsville
Police were notified of an incident around 1.15pm.
Waikato initiatives win at NZ Biosecurity Awards
The awards celebrate inspiring and diverse biosecurity initiatives in New Zealand.
Supercars champ announces return to racing in New Zealand
The inaugural Taupō Super400 is coming closer as NZTA warns people of heavy traffic.
Tourism funding on the chopping block as Waikato councils face 'tough times'
Several local councils proposed major funding cuts for the regional body.
Hunters brace for busy weekend as roar season amps up
Several organisations have asked for vigilance in the outdoors this long weekend.
Kiwi road trip: How to drive with the national bird in the back seat
Reporting on a kiwi translocation wasn't enough, so our reporter rolled up her sleeves.
Balloons over Waikato who? 19 kiwi take to Hamilton skies
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari kickstarted its biggest kiwi translocation this week.
Supercars to convoy through Taupō ahead of racing
The Track to Town event will see all 24 racers descend on CBD for meet and greet.
Special boxing match in Hamilton to go down in history
It will be New Zealand's first female cruiserweight boxing match.
Hundreds of special vehicles rev up at Frankton Thunder
The annual festival, first held in 2016, saw Hamilton’s suburb of Frankton packed today.
Hamilton's new luxury hotel 'great' news for Waikato
Tourism and business leaders are excited about the $120 million development in the CBD.
Frankton in for rail revival as Glenbrook train joins Frankton Thunder
The much-loved community event announced its steamy star as part of 2024 line-up.
Historic South Waikato active space sees glorious revival
Tīrau Domain project recognised at the recent Waikato Sport & Active Recreation Awards.
Wairere Falls walking track closed until May
The popular walking track will close during the week.
Cathedral Cove walking tracks to reopen before next summer
DoC announced the first steps needed to restore walking access.
New Zealand's most 'Instagrammable' locations revealed
A newly released ranking, based on Instagram data, shows the country's most popular spots.
Balloons over Waikato in search of a new festival organiser
This is the final year that Classic Event will run Balloons over Waikato.
Haggis and highland dancing lifts the spirits at Paeroa's Scottish party
Paeroa celebrated the best of Scotland last weekend.
Longstanding Coromandel community journalist dies
The local community says goodbye to "a lovely person" and "exceptional editor".